The last few weeks of the semester are upon us and, if you’re like me, there is a sense at times that there are many things still left to accomplish before we reach the end. During this busy season, we invite you to take time to slow down, to appreciate the life around us, to reflect on the journey we have taken this year, and to be in community with one another. As the weather warms up, the Wackerlin Center’s Labyrinth is a wonderful place to gather to reflect on where our journey has taken us this year.
The Wackerlin staff looks forward to joining you for our final gatherings of the semester. Please note the upcoming events below.
In solidarity,
Justin West
Executive Director, Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
Chief Diversity Officer |
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Black Excellence Graduation Celebration
Thursday, April 11
12–3 p.m.
Wackerlin Center
Join us for a celebration for graduating African American students. Graduating students can pick up graduation stoles and meet with career services staff for assistance with post-graduation plans. Black alumni will be in attendance to provide additional support. |
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BSI Kickback: End of Semester Celebration
Thursday, April 25
7–9 p.m.
Wackerlin Center
Join us for food and fun as we celebrate making it to the end of the semester. |
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Eid Celebration
Monday, April 15
3:30 p.m.
Wackerlin Center
Join us at the Wackerlin Center on April 15 at 3:30 p.m. for an Eid celebration, co-hosted by MESA (Middle Eastern Students Association). Eid is a major holiday for many Muslims around the world, which celebrates the end of Islam's holiest month, Ramadan.
Our celebration will be inter-faith and inclusive. All are welcome to join us for refreshments and conversation.
Visit the Wackerlin Center during April to learn more about the Holidays of Spring, celebrated by Christians, Hindus, Jews and Muslims. Our displays will feature holiday decor and opportunities to learn more about each of those faiths.
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Study Space and Quiet Space
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As you finish projects and prepare for exams, the Wackerlin Center has study spaces available for private or group study sessions.
In need of silence?
The Wackerlin’s Open Rooms are available for you to take a private moment for meditation, deep breathing, prayer, or mindfulness.
Reserve ahead by contacting Justin West at juwest@aurora.edu.
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Final Day to Register for Belong Webinar!
Independent Colleges and Universities: The Value of Mission-Driven Teaching Excellence on April 2, 2024 at 2-3 p.m. ET. Can't make the event, but still want to receive the content? If you register for the event, you will receive the webinar recording following the live event. Click here to register for this webinar.
Join Dr. Corbin Campbell in a session based on her extensive research spanning 700 higher education courses. Drawing from her acclaimed 2023 book, Great College Teaching: Where It Happens and How to Foster It Everywhere, Dr. Campbell will explore teaching enhancement across diverse academic landscapes and disciplines. Gain insights into exemplary institutions' best practices, including equity-based teaching methods and fostering culturally relevant learning environments. Learn about the policies and cultures crucial for prioritizing teaching excellence.
Podcast Resource on Leadership and Belonging
As we work towards a more inclusive and equitable campus, I'm sharing a resource: Brené Brown's two-part podcast series, The Heart of Leadership.
This series features Brené's discussion with DEIB experts Aiko Bethea and Ruchika Tulshyan.
The Heart of Leadership Part 1
The Heart of Leadership Part 2
The first part delves into the core meaning of belonging in the context of DEIB, arguing belonging is core to DEIB, not an afterthought. Continuing the conversation, Part 2 discusses the challenges of speaking up about social and political issues at work. They also talk about the importance of self-care and restoration.
I encourage you to listen to both parts. This series offers valuable insights for all of us invested in building a more inclusive and welcoming campus community. |
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Interfaith Dialogue
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Tucker Room, Wackerlin Center |
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Catholic Mass
7:15–8 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
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Support Group for Peace and Justice
4–5 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
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Black Excellence Celebration
12–3 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
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Worship Night
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
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Eid Celebration
3:30 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
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Interfaith Dialogue
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Tucker Room, Wackerlin Center |
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Catholic Mass
7:15–8 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
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Black Student Initiatives Kickback
7–9 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
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Cultural Exchange Conversation with Illinois State Representative Barbara Hernandez ’14, MPA ’21
Last month, Illinois State Representative and AU alumna, Barbara Hernandez, visited campus to talk to students about her experience and the challenges and successes of being a first generation college student. |
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Aurora University Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, Illinois 60506 United States You are receiving this email because you are a member of the AU community. To update your email preferences, please Unsubscribe. |
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